Any Flashaholics out there? need advice on a new light.

T

TKM

Joined
Nov 3, 2010
Messages
252
Hi guys!

For the last 9 years I had been using a 3D Xenon Maglite along with my headlamp to cover all my needs, however, lately weight has become an important issue when it comes to my gear and my Maglite is just too heavy and empties my batteries way too fast.

So, I'm looking for something smaller and lighter than my old Mag, LED equipped, weather-resistant (preferably waterproof), something that feeds on common batteries (AA, AAA, C or D), user-friendly (no more than 2 or 3 different modes), preferably with an adjustable beam, an output of more than 70 lumens and a very good throw (I need to see things CLEARLY at about 100 yards ahead of me on the trail) and a good runtime, at least on low mode. I'd like to keep it under 50 dlls.

The better options I've found so far are the Fenix E21 which has a nice output an runtime but apparently it won't shine as far as I'd like (it only puts out 4510 cd), runs on AA's and it is pretty small. It's also waterproof

And the other one is actually a Maglite, the XL50, it runs on AAA's, has an output of 132 lumens and puts out 5232 cds, it's only weather-resistant but that's ok. Both lights are supposed to light beyond 120 meters but I don't think those figures are right.

If anyone has experience with any of those two lights I'd appreciate your input. Thanks in advance.
 
You might look into the ICON ROGUE 2. It's a 2AA light, well built, weather resistant, fairly lightweight, has good throw, 100 lumens on high and 5 lumens on low, and good runtime. Regular selling price is about 40.00 but you can sometimes find it on sale for much less.
 
clearly at 100 yards under $50 bucks?

Look into fenix a bit more, around the $70 mark will bring up more of what your looking for.

My primary search light is an E2DL, fantastic little light, that said the $70 dollar fenix tk-10 I had worked just as well.
 
Fonly said:
clearly at 100 yards under $50 bucks?
Click to expand...

Yeah,; I know it's hard, come to think about it probably the only ones that'll fall into that range would actually be the D cell LED Maglites. But again, just too heavy.

Maybe the new ML100 also fom Maglite, or the Fenix LD20.
 
Ok, so it doesn't meet your lightweight requirement, but for the same size as your 3D maglight, but skinnier, you get about as much light as your cars headlight for $60. Uses 2 rechargeable batteries.
http://www.amazon.com/TrustFire-Super-Bright-Lumens-Flashlight/dp/B005VLZPVW

For something more pocketable and only $20 how about this?
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-c1-xm-lt6-5-mode-510-lumen-memory-white-led-flashlight-with-clip-strap-1-18650-55237

AA option for $20:
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/eastward-yj-j09-cree-xp-g-r5-3-mode-240-lumen-led-flashlight-with-clip-1-aa-44460

Ok, sure the above are Cheap stuff out of China, but heck, you can't get more light for the money!



Personally, I just carry one of these on my keychain:
http://goinggear.com/olight-i3-eos-70-lumen-xp-g-aaa-led-flashlight.html

Last camping trip when I compared it to my old standard bulb 3D maglite it was slightly brighter on high, but I usually only use it in medium or low modes.
I also own a couple of those Chinese ones with rechargeable batteries, and they're bright as heck. In fact the smallest one I have is probably 3 times brighter than any D cell maglite and it fits in my pocket.
 
for 50ish, I would look at the lights by LED Lenser. they are bright as hell and have worked great for me, doing duty in my pocket, in my truck, in my school bag (all the same light). It hasnt failed me. when the batteries start dying you will be able to tell, but you will still get a decent amount of light. I personally use a Tac Torch by them (http://www.ledlenser.com/product/tac_torch), and it has been great. puts out about 100 lumens with a battery life of about 4.5 hr on 3 AAAs, It has a 220 meter ranges, which is enough for me to shine coon eyes, gator eyes, etc... at about 100-150 yards.

but they have a bunch of different options as well, just check out their website
 
The Streamlight Pro Polymer Luxeon is an old model but I have worked wonders for me when in need of throw. It uses 4 AA batteries that are very common to find anywhere in the planet, it has resisted the weather here which is very humid and is tough enough to survive several drops over cement floors.
This and a 1 AA mini 4Sevens with a head band is all what I use now.
Best Regards
 
I agree with the previous post. Get a Streamlight ProPlymer 4AA. I carry one in my bunker gear pocket, and that light will survive just about anything.
I also carry a 4Sevens Quark 2AA in my pocket at all times.
Neither light has an adjustable beam, but they are both fantastic lights that run on cheap AA.
 
The zebralight SC51 is close to everything you outlined, + it comes with a headband so it easily converts to a headlamp. I've got 2 different zebralight models and they are both very nice for the money.
http://www.zebralight.com/
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys.

So no one has any experience with any of the two lights in the first post? (Maglite XL50 and Fenix E21) I'd like to hear your opinions.
 
 
Check some of these out:

-This is the deal of the century $49.00! I have one, very excellent quality! 6 hours of constant 260 lumens output, all housed in a 3D Maglight! (sold separately, you could use the one you already have) The higher lumen lights tend to get hot if you run them for an extended period of time. This will stay cool, and will throw a good distance because of the large Mag reflector.
http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop/...1.html?zenid=6e17ab9e5db87488a7ec4b734512b4fc


-This will make your light into a nice lantern. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...9x00001a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=SPM1237772701


-Fenix are also very good lights I have many. I've carried one on my key chain for the last 5 years and use it almost every day at work. http://www.fenixtactical.com/


-Cheep lithium CR123. I've used these for years. Just as good as any other brand. Click on the chart under the picture of the battery. http://www.batteryjunction.com/tpen-tcr123a-.html


-Good cheep battery storage tube. Very thick and durable. Water tight cap (2 liter cap) http://www.lighthound.com/Lighthoun...batteries-or-4-x-CR-123-batteries_p_2803.html

This is what they really are. It's pretty interesting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfyPCujUPms


-Tons of info here! http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forum.php?


-If you want a headlamp you could just get one of these and use it in conjunction with a regular light. http://www.niteize.com/collections/flashlights/products/headband


-Side note NIMH (rechargeables) are much better than alkaline's. This will get you started, tons of data out there. http://www.stefanv.com/electronics/using_nimh.html
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?146709-Alkaline-vs-NiMH
 
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fenix ld40, cheapest i found it is $52.50. 4xaa. 110 lumens for about 10 hours.
 
TKM your required specifications leave a wide range of flashlights. How about a price range to narrow it down? Do you want rechargeable? Do you want it as small as possible or more of a 2AA maglight size? Do you want a handheld or a headlamp? Do you want American brand?

Fenix makes good lights.
Zebralight makes small AA lights in more unique designs that are very small.
Lumapower has the trust model which is extremely bright when using a rechargeable lithium ion AA battery. On a regular AA battery it is still well over 70 lumens. It is not the smallest AA around but I have found this to be one I really like and would use as a work light since some of the real small AA lights would be harder to hold and operate. The same brand also makes a 2AA version called the vantage if you want more runtime.
http://www.batteryjunction.com/lumapower-trust-1.html
Princeton tec has good headlamps.
Peak LED has a bunch of AA led lights that are american made but no extra modes.
http://www.em-mgt.com/LED/MOUNTAIN.html
 
Thanks for all the suggestions guys

I already had the chance to handle the E21, it seems well built and it is quite bright however, I couldn't spot anything beyond 50-60 yards clearly enough with the beam it puts out.

I have yet to try the Maglite XL100 cause on the reviews I found on Amazon, no one mentioned anything about throw or beam distance.

eyeatingfish, thanks for mentioning Princeton Tec, I had forgotten about'em. I'd like something on the $30-$40 price range, handheld and as reliable as a good ol' Mag. I don't care much of where it is made as long as it has a warranty and/or its spare parts are widely available. I carry either a Petzl or an Energizer LED Headlamp, so the new light will be used for spotting at longer distances. I have yet too look at the Pelican and Inova offerings.

wetduck, I'm actually considering one of the TerraLux replacement modules for my MagLite, have you tried'em first hand? How is the runtime? My Mag is a 3D so I'm guessing I should buy the one above right?

http://www.amazon.com/TerraLUX-TLE-6EXB-MiniStar5-Replacement-MagLites/dp/B001I9TI4Q/ref=pd_cp_hi_0
 
Hey TMK. No I don't have any experience with any of the Terra LUX products. According to the heading from your link that should work for your 3D Mag. But if the E21 was not bright enough for you then I wonder if that will be. They seem to be about the same lumens. The Mag reflector is bigger so it will throw a little farther than the E21. I know its more than you want to spend but the Fenix LD40 looks like its right up your ally. It's way lighter than a 3D Mag. Runs on just 4 AA's, and it has good run times, plus its waterproof. You could easily bring along plenty of extra batteries and still be under the weight of the 3D. (Ha you probably think I'm a Fenix sales man). I'm not, but they are good lights. I have 5, my father, and brother each have a couple and none of us have had any problems.

You Tube has tons of flashlight reviews if you ever want to know more about a certain light I'd start there. Candle power forums is also a great place to do some research. It's free to join. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forum.php?

If I were you I'd sign up and pose your question here, you'll get some great suggestions: (Recommend Me a Light For...) http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?135-Recommend-Me-a-Light-For...

Good luck TKM, I hope this helped.
 
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